By Andrew Ganz

Tuesday, May 8th, 2012 @ 5:38 pm

Fisker's new Karma extended-range luxury sedan isn't likely to become a volume player globally any time soon, but the California-based startup did offer up a rather interesting piece of news this afternoon from one of its smallest markets.

In the Netherlands, where a high standard of living means that luxury cars aren't especially out of reach, the company's low-emissions Karma outsold its rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to take second place in the full-size premium car segment during the first four months of 2012. The Karma was outsold by only the Porsche Panamera. Fisker didn't state just how many Karmas were sold in Holland, although the market for top-tier luxury sedans is undoubtedly quite small in the nation of 16 million.

How did a new car from a new car company find favor with so many luxury buyers in the Netherlands? Fisker readily admits that much of its Karma's appeal lies in its low emissions, which work in its favor in European nations that tax vehicles based on how much CO2 they emit. Thanks to its electric propulsion and small four-cylinder generator, the Karma emits a mere 53 g/km of CO2, which puts it in a tax bracket rivals can only dream of.

Who can blame Fisker's wealthy buyers for looking to save a euro or two?

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